"My Father’s Tools" (6 min 30) is an observational Canadian documentary directed by emerging filmmaker Heather Condo which had its international premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival before touring the world (Telefilm Canada’s Not Short on Talent (Cannes and Berlinale), Seattle International Film Festival, ImagineNATIVE, DOXA, and over 50 others.) The story, which introduces Condo’s spouse Stephen Jerome, a traditional basket maker, is produced by Wapikoni mobile, a travelling audiovisual creation studio fully equipped with cutting-edge technology that visits Indigenous communities across Canada and Latin America to help spark the creativity of young Indigenous people.

These videos become powerful tools for social change and are part of a journey towards reconciliation that also involves protecting the cultural heritage of Indigenous Nations.

Weaved in cinema vérité style, the story of "My Father’s Tools" shows the craftsmanship of the man from the Mi’gmaq First Nation community of Gesgapegiag in the province of Quebec, Canada.

Stephen continues to create traditional baskets just like his ancestors did, honouring his father with each stroke, finding peace in his studio as he connects spiritually with the man who taught him this ancestral art form.

“My uncle John made baskets and I was always proud of that. I moved out of the community when I was a child and went to live in a predominantly white community in Massachusetts. I would bring his baskets to show and tell because I was very proud of my Native heritage. The kids used to make fun of me, but I didn’t let that bother me. Then I started dating Stephen, a basket maker from Gesgapegiag. I saw how much effort it took to make the baskets. It’s very physical. He is the last man in the community to make black ash rib baskets, and so I decided it was important to capture this craft before it becomes extinct,” Heather Condo said.

Founded in 2004 and based in New York City, Vimeo is home to the world’s most imaginative video creators and the hundreds of millions of viewers who love them.

Vimeo empowers over 50 million creators with the tools they need to host, share and sell videos in the highest quality possible.

Also a leading online entertainment destination, Vimeo now reaches viewers in over 150 countries who can watch content anytime, on nearly every Internet-connected device.

The Staff Picks Premiere channel was launched in 2016.

About the DirectorHeather Condo was born in Maria, Quebec on October 14, 1971. She was adopted and grew up in Massachusetts. In 2005, Heather moved back to the First Nation community of Gesgapegiag where a lot of her family members reside. Her son Zachary Greenleaf who also made short films with Wapikoni mobile encouraged her to try this medium and let her creativity soar.

About Wapikoni MobileWapikoni mobile is a travelling audiovisual and musical creation studio dedicated to Indigenous youth. Since 2004, Wapikoni has visited over 25 Nations and accompanied over 4,600 participants who worked to direct close to 1,000 short films translated into several languages. These films have received 154 awards and honours at national and international festivals. Wapikoni mobile is an official partner of UNESCO. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vimeo

Launching Today: An Exclusive Paper Art Collection from the Hit Series

Lovepop is excited to launch a series of five exclusive paper art designs in partnership with HBO, based on the international phenomenon "GAME OF THRONES."

"GAME OF THRONES" fans rejoice.

Your favorite characters and moments from the show have been recreated in stunning detail.

Fanatic "GAME OF THRONES" watchers on the Lovepop design team spent the last season creating awesome 3D paper art inspired by the hit series.

The collection, launching on November 29 is a series of five designs, perfect to gift to fellow fans or to collect and display.

Headlining the collection, Drogon and Daenerys brings the famed character to life, hair flowing in the wind as she rides her imposing, magnificently detailed beast.

The Night King and Viserion shows the Night King riding atop Viserion, complete with unforgettable, haunting eyes, teeth and horns.

Euron's Ship is meticulously constructed from paper as only trained ship designers could build it, the Iron Throne is as intimidating as it is on the screen, and the Weirwood, recreated in classic Lovepop Slicegami™ style, is the perfect gift for any fan of the show.

This collaboration with HBO Global Licensing, was an eagerly sought-after one by Lovepop’s co-founder and the GOT fans on the design team.

“When we think about the amazing designs we can make with paper, we get excited not just to recreate what we see around us, but also to delve into the imaginary,” Wombi Rose, co-founder and CEO of Lovepop, said. “For several seasons we have admired the intrigue and craftsmanship of GAME OF THRONES. Every day we set out to create something magical, and there is truly nothing more otherworldly than GAME OF THRONES. The sheer scale is unmatched on the small screen. We had so much fun building our paper versions of the empire, and we can’t we can’t wait for fans to experience them.”

The "GAME OF THRONES" Lovepop collaboration joins a portfolio of more than three hundred exclusive Lovepop designs, including a series of cards to honor the Beatles and hundreds of holiday offerings.

Drogon and Daenerys, The Night King, Euron’s Ship, Iron Throne, and Weirwood are available at Lovepop.com and at Lovepop retailers near you.

About HBO Global LicensingHBO Global Licensing officially licenses the HBO® brand for the development and merchandising of innovative product lines inspired by the network's award-winning programming. With products created around hit series like Game of Thrones® and Silicon Valley® as well as classic series like The Sopranos®, Sex and the City®, True Blood® and Entourage, items include fashion apparel, figures, jewelry, digital and CD soundtracks, prop and costume replicas, games, books, and beverages, as well as exclusive, premium collections in partnership with upscale, designer brands. Merchandise can be purchased in retail stores nationwide, at store.hbo.com, and at the groundbreaking HBO retail hub, the HBO Shop®, located at 42nd and 6th Avenue in New York City. HBO Global Licensing products are also sold internationally across Europe (hboshopeu.com), Asia and Australia.

About LovepopLovepop is on a mission to create 1 billion magical moments. Co-founders Wombi Rose and John Wise are trained shipbuilders who apply the sliceform structure used in ship design to the ancient art of kirigami in a technique they call SlicegamiTM. Imagination meets engineering, and the result is stunning, intricate paper art. Lovepop earned an investment from Kevin O’Leary on ABC's "Shark Tank" in 2015, is a winner of Inc. Magazine's 2017 Design Awards for Category Reinvention, and has been named one of Boston's "On Fire" start-ups for three years in a row. With hundreds of 3D designs to choose from, there is a Lovepop for every person in your life.

For more information visit lovepop.com and follow the company on Facebook & Instagram = @lovepopcards, Twitter = @lovepop

"ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD" follows the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother Gail (Michelle Williams) to convince his billionaire grandfather (Christopher Plummer) to pay the ransom.

When Getty Sr. refuses, Gail attempts to sway him as her son's captors become increasingly volatile and brutal.

With her son's life in the balance, Gail and Getty's advisor (Mark Wahlberg) become unlikely allies in the race against time that ultimately reveals the true and lasting value of love over money.

Following Nov. 28's announcement of the 60th annual GRAMMY Awards nominees, PledgeMusic is pleased to announce the acts who partnered with the direct-to-fan platform to create their acclaimed albums.

Through their pre-order campaigns with the next-generation e-commerce company, the following artists invited fans into the creative process surrounding the projects that garnered this prestigious industry nod; offering exclusive behind-the-scenes content and unique merchandise unavailable anywhere else.

Congratulations and best of luck to all of the 2018 GRAMMY Awards nominees.

500+ hours of World Cup-related programming across Telemundo and Universo and 1,000+ hours of original content across Telemundo Deportes' digital platforms

Live broadcast of all 64 matches, including 56 games on Telemundo and eight on Universo

Soccer legends join Telemundo Deportes' renowned team of commentators

First ever daily special prime-time show exclusively dedicated to World Cup, live on Telemundo

In anticipation of the Final Draw to be broadcast on Telemundo and Universo this December 1 at 9:30 a.m. ET, Telemundo Deportes unveils its coverage plans for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ taking place next June 14 - July 15.

As the exclusive Spanish-language home of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Telemundo Deportes will provide extensive multimedia coverage including more than 500 hours of World Cup-related programming across Telemundo Network and its sister cable network Universo, and more than 1,000 hours of original content across Telemundo Deportes' digital platforms. Telemundo and its cable network Universo will broadcast all 64 games live; 56 airing on Telemundo and eight on Universo.

In addition, all the matches will stream live via the Telemundo Deportes' En Vivo app and TelemundoDeportes.com.

"We have been looking forward to Russia 2018 since 2011 when Telemundo, with the support of NBCUniversal, became the new Spanish-language home of the FIFA World Cup," Ray Warren, president of Telemundo Deportes, said. "As we approach the World Cup Draw this Friday and the World Cup Finals next June, we at Telemundo and NBCUniversal renew our commitment to deliver the highest quality, most consumed, and most talked about FIFA World Cup coverage in the event's history."

TELEVISION
Telemundo and Universo will provide more than 500 hours of World Cup-related programming throughout the tournament. Coverage includes 250+ live hours of game coverage including pre and post shows on each matchday and more than 170 hours of programming on Universo. In addition, Telemundo's regular daily programming will supplement the coverage with more than 100 hours of content during the month-long event, covering all angles of the tournament.

To complement the live action coverage with analysis and the latest news around the event, Telemundo Deportes will launch a one-hour prime time show exclusively dedicated to the World Cup, airing nightly at 7 p.m. ET on Telemundo, throughout the duration of the tournament. The show marks the first time ever a U.S. broadcaster of the World Cup produces a prime time show solely dedicated to the World Cup.

DIGITAL
Telemundo Deportes' digital platforms will provide more than 1,000 hours of content including a live stream of all Telemundo Deportes' programming, exclusive short- and long-form content, highlights and more.

All 64 matches, in addition to the pre/post programming, will stream live via the Telemundo Deportes En Vivo app and TelemundoDeportes.com available on desktops, tablets, and connected TV's — including Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

For the first time ever, a full-service virtual reality app will be available for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. The VR app enables fans to enjoy select content from a virtual VIP suite through a super wide angle feed, experiencing the best of both worlds: feeling like being at the stadium, while watching the high-quality TV signal. A wide variety of VR content produced for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ will be available in the VR app: 2D feeds, 180° views, 360° short-form video content and near-live multi-angle clips.

The digital coverage will be supplemented by extensive social media content on YouTube, SnapChat, Instagram, Facebook and other platforms.

PRODUCTION
Telemundo will be covering all angles of the event with production sites across Russia's most iconic locations. Red Square, Moscow's historic plaza, will be the home of Telemundo Deportes' programming, including the production of all the pre, post and halftime shows while Telemundo's daytime programming will also originate from Moscow. In addition, Telemundo will have support studios at the World Cup International Broadcast Center and unique integrations from Telemundo Center, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises' new, state-of-the-art headquarters Miami, FL.

With the entire team of play-by-play commentators and expert analysts in Russia throughout the tournament, Telemundo Deportes will produce all 64 matches from Russia with commentators calling the action from the respective venues, for the vast majority of games. In addition, there will be dedicated crews following the teams with special emphasis on the most relevant teams for the Hispanic audience.

Telemundo Deportes' award-winning team of on-air talent will be led by the internationally renowned commentator Andres Cantor. A 4-time Emmy Award winner, recipient of the Sportscaster of the Year award from the American Sports Broadcasters Association, a Hispanic Heritage Award recipient, and author of "GOOOAL! A Celebration of Soccer." This will be Cantor's 10th World Cup and his 8th as a play-by-play announcer. Cantor will be accompanied by a stellar group of talent, including National Emmy Award-nominee, Sammy Sadovnik, Miguel Gurwitz, Ana Jurka, Carlos Hermosillo, Karim Mendiburu, Copan Alvarez, Manuel Sol, among others. The team will also be joined by a group of diverse soccer personalities with an unmatched depth and breadth of expertise around all angles of the game, representing the most relevant countries participating in the World Cup.

Telemundo Deportes' on-air team will be supplemented by the following renowned group of iconic soccer personalities, among others to be announced in the near future:

Carlos Hermosillo: Hermosillo is a Mexican soccer legend who has gone on to a successful career in television sports. He is part of the Telemundo Deportes' on-air team and one of the top all-time goal scorers for the Mexican National Team and Cruz Azul.

Juan Pablo Sorín: Former Argentine player who participated in the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups – and was captain of the team for the 2006 event. He also participated in two editions of Copa America and the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. Sorin also had a successful club career having played for renowned teams such as Barcelona, River Plate, Lazio and Paris Saint-Germain.

Claudio Borghi: After a stellar performance as guest analyst for Telemundo's coverage of the FIFA Confederations Cup, the Chilean-Argentine manager and former soccer attacking midfielder returns to join the team for Russia 2018. Borghi is a World Cup champion having played alongside Maradona when the Argentina team won the 1986 FIFA World Cup. He also played for several clubs in Argentina and Chile and spent time in Italy with A.C. Milan. After retiring, Borghi has been coaching club teams in Argentina and Chile and served as head coach for the Chile National Team between 2011 and 2012.

Sebastián "El Loco" Abreu: Former Uruguayan striker who represented his country in the 2002 and 2010 FIFA World Cup and several Copa Americas (1997, 2007 and 2011.) He also played in a number of clubs throughout Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico and Brazil.

Rolando Fonseca: Costa Rica's national team's all-time top goal scorer who's also widely known among Mexican soccer fans for ending Mexico's 20-year undefeated streak at Azteca stadium in international play back in 2001, after scoring a penalty kick. He also played for Liga MX's Pachuca.

Manuel Sol: Sol is analyst commentator for Telemundo Deportes and a former Chivas and Mexican National Team midfielder star who became a household name for Mexican soccer fans during his 15-year soccer career. He made his professional debut with Pumas in 1992, then played with several league teams and as part of the Mexico National Team roster for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, the 1998 Gold Cup and FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the 1998 FIFA World Cup™.

Juan Pablo Ángel: Ángel is retired soccer star from Colombia who spent most of his career playing with popular clubs around the world including Premier League's Aston Villa, Atletico Nacional, River Plate and Red Bulls. He was also part of Colombia's National Team during the qualifiers for the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Horacio Elizondo: Former international football referee from Argentina who is best known for his officiation throughout the 2006 FIFA World Cup including the epic final where he gave Zidane a red card after he head-butted Materazzi in the chest following a verbal dispute.

MARKETING
During Telemundo and Universo's exclusive broadcast of the Final FIFA World Cup Draw this Friday, December 1 at 9:30 a.m. ET, the network will unveil a new spot as part of the World Cup marketing campaign to be used through the kickoff of the tournament next year. The campaign reflects how soccer viewers live the World Cup together, aiming to create a cultural movement for Telemundo's most unique, exciting, authentic World Cup coverage among all Hispanics across every platform, regardless of language, ever. The campaign will debut with a new promo to air across Telemundo, Universo and several NBCUniversal platforms.

In celebration of the Draw, Telemundo will also showcase the creation of an artwork mural, live at the iconic Wynwood Art District in Miami, FL. The mural will be crafted by the renowned Miami artist Lebo who's known for his compelling visual work, and will feature the countries participating in the World Cup. The artwork will be unveiled on December 1, following the Draw results.

In this truthful and eye-opening book, Cort is not concerned with telling you which side to pick or which side he's on; he's more concerned with giving people the correct information they need in order to be knowledgeable about marijuana use.

His is the voice – often the dissenting one – that needs to be heard.

"Weed, Inc." challenges popular opinions about marijuana since cannabis today is an entirely different product than what it used to be.

Cort not only defines THC and marijuana in its current state, but also the many confusing terms surrounding it.

Cort questions the notion that industrialization is the key to safe, regulated products.

He even discusses how the legalization in Colorado is less about the legalization of marijuana and more about the industrialization of it, likening it to the reincarnation of big tobacco.

There is more access to a substance that few know enough about.

This can lead to increased addiction and an unregulated industry that will continue to grow – just like big tobacco.

With industrialization comes political agendas, overpaid lobbyists, big marketing budgets, and not far behind, monopolies on manufacturing and distribution.

Small farmers will feel the pinch as prices soar with the domination of corporate America under the guise of good old capitalism.

Misinformation about marijuana and the effects of it is the main problem most people have with understanding this complex issue.

This pivotal book will take you into the real world of legalized weed and open your eyes to topics such as: Environmental concerns (water, fertilizers, power, etc.), Medical concerns, Social justice, The lobby (what businesses stand to gain by this new industry), Law enforcement, Organized crime, FDA involvement, and much more.

Cort believes the stronger the information, the more people and the government will make smart choices and decisions regarding marijuana.

About the Author:
Ben Cort spent a decade inside the drug and alcohol addiction treatment field and is now a consultant to the industry. Ben joined the drug policy conversation at the national level in 2012. He was part of the 'No on 64' campaign, and following the amendment's passage—which changed the Colorado constitution to allow for a statewide drug policy for cannabis—he was appointed to the Board of Directors of Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) as well as NALGAP (the National Association of Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender Treatment Providers). Ben is currently consulting with the NFL and his passion about the intersection of recovery and public policy makes him a frequent guest in the media.

Actor Mahershala Ali picks up some new kicks on Sneaker Shopping, breakout rapper Logic discusses new music and Ty Dolla $ign breaks down his creative process on an all-new Complex x Fuse Dec. 1 at 11 p.m. ET/PT only on Fuse.

Complex On Sneakers – Moonlight star Mahershala Ali discusses his Oakland roots while Sneaker Shopping with Joe La Puma. Also, an exclusive look at an original sample of Kanye West’s first Nike signature sneaker is revealed on One of One.

Complex On Pop Culture – Ty Dolla $ign discusses his biggest influences and what his new project "Beach House 3" really means to him with Pigeons & Planes.

Disclaimer: Winners will be chosen. Contest runs to Dec. 04, 2017 midnight. No purchase necessary. Prize provided by MPRM COMMUNICATIONS. Only open to the U.S., no PO Boxes or international addresses. Only one entry per household. Entries on behalf of another person will not be accepted and joint submissions are not allowed. We will not accept entries of contestants who have claimed a prize in the last 6 months.

Gravitas Ventures has acquired "Friends Don’t Let Friends" for North American release November 28

As a group of friends come together to cover up a murder, they end up stranded deep in the desert, and have to band together to make it out alive.

The further they venture into the darkness, the closer they come to discovering that each one of them is more dangerous than anyone had ever realized.

It’s only a matter of time before they understand... Four people can keep a secret, when three of them are dead.

The shooting style of "Friends Don’t Let Friends" keeps a fast paced momentum, and continually engages the audience in a voyeuristic way.

Jamie and Lyndee brought a docs-style feel to a violent and twisted horror story that truly makes it hard to look away.

“I knew from the beginning that Friends Don’t Let Friends had to feel visceral for the audience. I wanted them to feel like they were watching something they shouldn’t be allowed to see, with people that felt familiar and close. Each group of friends has a Stephanie, a Dave, a Jeb and a Carrie. My hope is that we’ve created something that lingers with you long after that first watch,” Jamie S. Brown said.

Brownwell Entertainment is a husband and wife team helmed by Jamie and Lyndee Brown.

Lyndee is a Reality TV Executive Producer, whose career has spanned every style and genre of non-scripted television.

Jamie is a writer, director and cinematographer, with a background in commercials, music videos and documentaries.

The combination of their unique points of view, has turned "Friends Don’t Let Friends" into a raw, suspenseful, and psychologically twisted horror film that even in its wildest moments still feels grounded in reality.

John Stevens composed the score for "Friends Don’t Let Friends," his unique style and cinematic soundscapes were something that Jamie was drawn to back in 2007 when a friend recommended John’s band Ghost Machine.

The style of music was unlike anything Jamie had heard before and they have been working together for almost 10 years.

"Friends Don’t Let Friends" is John Steven’s and Brownwell Entertainments first feature collaboration.

“There are moments in John’s music where the music feels like another character, someone sinister and dangerous thats watching the scene unfold with the audience. The soundtrack alone is a ride into darkness,” writer/director Jamie Brown said.

The highly anticipated first teaser-trailer for "LOVE, SIMON" has arrived

Everyone deserves a great love story.

But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it's a little more complicated: he's yet to tell his family or friends he's gay and he doesn't actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he's fallen for online.

Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson's Creek, Brothers & Sisters), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli's acclaimed novel "LOVE, SIMON" is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.

Join the launch event with the whole family to enjoy fun activities, live mariachi, folklorico dancers, face-painting, giveaways and the chance to win tickets to the show.

More about LUZIA – A waking dream of Mexico
In a series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, LUZIA takes audiences on a surrealistic journey like in a waking dream, where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul. Smoothly passing from an old movie set to the ocean to a smoky dance hall or an arid desert, LUZIA cleverly brings to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity. Rich in awe-inspiring moments, LUZIA enchants by incorporating rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.

As the official credit card of the tour, Citi® card members will have access to purchase exclusive pre-sale tickets and VIP packages beginning on Dec. 4 at 10AM/ PST followed by Fan Club beginning on Dec. 6 at 10 AM/PST.

Focus Features has acquired the worldwide rights to "Won’t You Be My Neighbor?," the new documentary about the life and work of Mister Fred Rogers.

From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom), the documentary is a Focus Features presentation of a Tremolo Production, in association with Impact Partners and Independent Lens/PBS.

A portrait of a man whom we all think we know, this documentary is an emotional and moving film that takes you beyond zip-up cardigans and the land of make-believe and into the heart of a creative genius, who inspired generations of children with compassion and limitless imagination.

“Morgan once again avoids making a traditional biodoc and instead takes us behind the curtain to see how Fred Rogers navigated the cultural and social issues of the second half of the twentieth century with his own brand of forward-thinking, compassionate wisdom far beyond his time,” Focus chairman Peter Kujawski said. “Mister Rogers makes us all want to be better people, and we couldn’t be more proud to be a part of telling his story today.”

“The Fred Rogers I discovered making this film is at once comfortably familiar and completely surprising. I believe Mister Rogers is the kind of voice we need to hear right now,” director Morgan Neville said. “I am thrilled to work with Focus Features on taking this film out into the world, along with my collaborators at Impact Partners and Independent Lens.”

“This is Morgan’s fourth film with Independent Lens, following our Emmy Award-winning collaboration on Best of Enemies,” Lois Vossen, Independent Lens Executive Producer, said. "His beautiful new film shows us just how cool Mister Rogers was and how relevant and vital his voice is right now.”

"Won’t You Be My Neighbor?" is produced by Morgan Neville, Caryn Capotosto and Nicholas Ma and is a production of Tremolo Productions in association with Impact Partners and Independent Lens / PBS.

The deal was negotiated by Endeavor Content and Judith Karfiol on behalf of the filmmakers.

Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About Tremolo ProductionsTremolo Productions is an Academy Award, Grammy Award and Emmy Award-winning production company concentrating on quality non-fiction storytelling. Films include 20 Feet From Stardom, Best of Enemies, Keith Richards: Under the Influence, The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble, Crossfire Hurricane, Pearl Jam 20 and The Cool School as well as the TV series Chelsea Does and Abstract: The Art of Design.

About Independent LensIndependent Lens is an Emmy® Award-winning weekly series airing on PBS Monday nights at 10:00 PM. The acclaimed series, with Lois Vossen as executive producer, features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Presented by ITVS, the series is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people, with additional funding from PBS, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more visit pbs.org/independentlens. Join the conversation: facebook.com/independentlens and on Twitter @IndependentLens.

Eight-time Grammy® Award-winning, multi-Platinum solo artist Fergie will serve as host of FOX’s new singing competition series "THE FOUR: BATTLE FOR STARDOM."

The six-episode event premieres Jan. 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

“I am very excited and proud to be the host of THE FOUR: BATTLE FOR STARDOM,” Fergie said. “This is a unique and modern show format that I believe will set the standard for the next generation of singing competition series on TV. I am looking forward to being by the contestants’ sides during what could be the most important performances of their lives. Along with these amazing panelists whom I know and love, I hope my experiences as a solo artist and as a member of The Black Eyed Peas can help guide them in their quest to make it in the music industry.”

“Fergie is a genuine superstar,” Rob Wade, President, Alternative Programming and Specials, Fox Broadcasting Company, said. “She’s fierce, she’s a force in her own right and she knows exactly what these singers are going through. So who better than her to help guide them as they fight their way to the finish.”

These panelists are true star-makers and are responsible for some of the biggest hits and recording artists in the music industry today.

"THE FOUR: BATTLE FOR STARDOM" begins where the other shows end: With the best.

These four top-notch singers, spanning all music genres, will fight each week to defend their coveted seats on the show, as determined newcomers challenge them and try to knock them out of the competition.

The singer who is the last standing at the end of the competition will earn the ultimate prize: the panel of industry experts becomes key players on the winner’s team.

This elite group of starmakers will guide the winner’s career to help make him or her a breakout star.

As part of the grand prize, the winner will be named an iHeartRadio “On The Verge” artist.

iHeartRadio’s On The Verge program provides artists with unparalleled national reach through on-air radio exposure, as well as digital and social support across iHeartMedia’s powerful range of music and entertainment platforms.

FOX also has teamed up with iHeartMedia to support auditions, assist in the search for talent and boost the careers of artists throughout the run of the competition.

Influencing a generation of stars to follow, Fergie remains pop’s leading lady.

On September 22, the eight-time Grammy® Award-winning multi-Platinum solo artist released her anxiously awaited visual experience and second full-length album, “Double Dutchess” – the first release for her own Dutchess Music, the label she founded in partnership with BMG this year.

The Visual Experience quickly captured the No. 1 spot on iTunes, in addition to the album becoming the No. 1 pop album in the United States, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Current Pop Albums Chart, No. 4 on the Top Independent Albums Chart and No. 9 on the Top Albums Chart.

It became a runaway smash globally, going Top 10 on iTunes Overall in eight countries and Top 5 on the iTunes Pop Albums Charts in 11 countries.

It’s gaining even more steam as she sets her sights on a 2018 world tour.

This blockbuster follows up one of the most successful albums of this century, “The Dutchess,” which sold 7.2 million albums and 29 million tracks around the globe and yielded three No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits: “London Bridge,” “Glamorous” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” as well as Top 5 smashes “Fergalicious” and “Clumsy.”

She also remains a driving force in The Black Eyed Peas, whose legacy eclipses sales of 35 million records and 60 million tracks over the course of four multi-Platinum offerings. Once again, she sets the pace for pop.

"THE FOUR: BATTLE FOR STARDOM" was created by Armoza Formats and is produced by ITV Entertainment in association with Armoza Formats.

ABOUT ITV ENTERTAINMENTITV Entertainment, part of the ITV America group, is one of the largest international producers for the U.S. market and a major force in acquiring, developing and producing entertainment programming for U.S. networks. ITV Entertainment has a wide slate of series with major networks and syndicators, including HELL’S KITCHEN (FOX); “The First 48” (A&E); “The Job Interview” (CNBC); “Four Weddings” (TLC); “Big Star Little Star” (USA); “Help My Yelp” (Food); and the new “Queer Eye” (Netflix), as well as upcoming series and specials for Nickelodeon and A&E, among others.

ABOUT ARMOZA FORMATSEstablished in 2005, Armoza Formats has become a key player in the international content market, rapidly growing to be one of the top independent creators and distributors of global content. Taking the best of Israeli and international creative talent, Armoza Formats spearheads the emergence of compelling content in today’s dynamic market. Our mission is to meet the challenges of the fast-changing media industry with creative broadcast solutions. With over 90 formats in our catalogue and productions across the globe, Armoza Formats has a proven track record of success across all genres – from spectacular primetime entertainment show “I Can Do That!,” now licensed in over 20 countries, to hit game show “Still Standing,” with 5,000 episodes globally, and docu-reality format “Connected,” on air in over 10 territories. Our partners are comprised of broadcasters and production companies across the globe, including FOX, NBC USA, BBC, ITV, Channel 4 UK, TVA Canada, TF1 France, RTL Germany, HBO, TV2 Norway, RAI Italy, Globo Brazil, Azteca Mexico and ZEE TV India.

ABOUT IHEARTMEDIAWith over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners in the U.S. and over 122 million social followers, iHeartMedia has the largest national reach of any radio or television outlet in America. As the leader in multiplatform connections, it also serves over 150 local markets through 858 owned radio stations, and the company’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM, HD digital radio, satellite radio, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company’s radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile app, in enhanced auto dashes, on tablets, wearables and smartphones, and on gaming consoles. iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s digital radio platform, is the fastest growing digital audio service in the U.S. and offers users thousands of live radio stations, personalized custom artist stations created by just one song or seed artist and the top podcasts and personalities. With over 1.4 billion downloads, iHeartRadio reached 100 million registered users faster than any other radio or digital music service. iHeartMedia’s platforms include radio broadcasting, online, mobile, digital and social media, podcasts, personalities and influencers, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. iHeartMedia is a division of iHeartMedia, Inc. (PINK: IHRT). Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed unrestricted free agent defenseman Austin Strand to a three-year entry-level contract, Kings Vice President and General Manager Rob Blake announced on Nov. 27.

The 20-year-old Strand (born Feb. 17, 1997) is a 6-4, 216-pound native of Calgary, Alberta who has appeared in 24 games this season with the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL), posting 26 points (10-16=26) and 29 penalty minutes in his fourth season in the Western Hockey League.

Among league defensemen, he currently ranks first in power play goals (9; tied for second among all players), tied for first in goals, tied for fifth in points, tied for 10th in assists and tied for second in game-winning goals (2).

In his first full season with Seattle (acquired from the Red Deer Rebels last season), he was named an assistant captain.

Strand has appeared in 223 career regular-season games in the WHL between Seattle and Red Deer, recording 84 points (25-59=84), a plus-1 rating and 196 penalty minutes.

He has played in 37 postseason games, tallying 17 points (6-11=17), a plus-11 rating and 47 penalty minutes.

During the 2016 WHL playoffs with Red Deer, he helped lead the Rebels to the Eastern Conference Championship, before falling to the eventual champion Brandon.

However, since the Memorial Cup was in Red Deer, he played in his first Memorial Cup, losing in the Semi-Finals with the Rebels.

After being traded to Seattle during the 2017 regular-season, he helped the Thunderbirds win the WHL Championship and earn his second consecutive berth in the Memorial Cup.